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John Lassen Obituary
John R. Lassen Jr. passed away on July 25, 2013, after fighting a prolonged illness the last several years. He was born in Phoenix to John Sr. and Elinor Lassen on December 23, 1946 and lived in Arizona all his life. John attended elementary school and high school in Tempe, Arizona. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from Arizona State University. He was also a star athlete at Tempe Union High School setting school basketball records that lasted for many years. He attended ASU on a basketball scholarship. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970. After college and military service, John Lassen became an educator and his passion was mathematics. Over a 36 year teaching career, he touched the lives of a large number of people during their high school years at Marcos De Niza and Mountain Pointe High Schools. He found effective ways to reach a wide variety of students and most learned more from John than just mathematics. John was department chairman for mathematics at both high schools. He was one of the elite few to be awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in 1989, which included an award ceremony at the Rose Garden of the White House and a reception at the U.S. State Department. He received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding teaching during his teaching tenure. He was also the original driving force in the dual credit program for public schools with Rio Salado College which started at the Mountain Pointe mathematics department and spread through that high school, the rest of the TUHS district and throughout the valley. It also expanded to include other subjects as well. He was recognized for this achievement with The President's Award for dedication and commitment to education in Arizona from the president of Rio Salado College in 1994. After retirement he enjoyed several years with his wife, Bonnie, at their summer retreat in Mancos, Colorado. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and river rafting expeditions with a group of likeminded friends. He was an avid coin collector. Perhaps his favorite retirement activity was being a Grandfather (Papa) to Brooke, Brenna and James and was looking forward to the arrival of his fourth grandchild in the fall. John leaves a large and loving family that will miss him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lassen, his daughters Dawn Schmidt (Rodger), Devon Buckley, his son Andy Lassen (Laura) and grandchildren Brooke Schmidt, Brenna Buckley and James Buckley. His mother Elinor Lassen, sisters Susan Burger (John), Margaret Walker (Ron), brother Ken Lassen (Lesilyn) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family will all miss John. A memorial service for John Lassen will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road, Tempe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, 85014 or to Cure PSP, 30 E. Padonia Rd., Ste. 201, Timonium, MD, 21093.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Lassen
Darren Nakamura
August 25, 2013
John was a great man and a great teacher--one of the best I have had in my life. I will keep him in my memories for as long as I live.
carol salmon
August 11, 2013
you must have been an amazing man as my mum and dad (edith and bill) thought the world of you , god bless you darling x
Kimberly Stone (Pruitt)
August 11, 2013
Rest in Peace and may the Lord bring peace and contentment to those who loved you so.
Edith and Bill Cass
August 10, 2013
To Bonnie and Family, it was a joy and a pleasure and an honor to know John both working with him and knowing him and his family as friends. He will always be in our hearts as such a special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bonnie and family.
Bonie Brown Domin
August 2, 2013
Having known John since we were kids and classmates , I can only say that the world has lost a special person. He will be missed by all of his Tempe High and elementary school friends because he was very special even then. HIs great accomplishments and popularity are
no surprise to any of us. John, you now have peace and can look down on so many who loved and respected you. Lucky You! Lucky Bonnie and family for having him in your lives! Rest in Peace, John.
sister Lynn Winsor
August 2, 2013
I just found out about John's passing and wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to the Lassen family. John and I both coached girls golf and competed against each other for many years. He was always welcoming,friendly, a skilled teacher ,and a great competitor . I always looked forward to golf matches with him and his teams as they played well, knew the rules and had great sportsmanship. In the world of coaching he will be missed. Our Xavier College Prep community will be praying for him, his family and friends as we all mourn the loss of a tremendous person. Sister Lynn Winsor, Girls' Golf Coach, Xavier Prep
Livvy McKeown
August 1, 2013
You know...the wheelchairs have been thrown out. John and Phil are golfing as we speak. Road trips, playing basketball, fishing, visiting the high country all are on their list of things to do now. But their favorite time will be visiting their families, especially the grandchildren. From your kids and grandkids, you will hear his words. You will watch his sense of humor. You will see them grow to be people who have strong ethics, leadership, friendships, love of family...all like John and Bonnie. He will visit you in your dreams, be there for all events...both in sadness and joy. Know that he was loved and respected in all aspects of his life. What a wonderful legacy he has left for his family, extended family, co-workers and friends. Someday tears will turn to smiles and then laughter. He made a huge impact on our family. He will truly be missed.
With love,
The McKeown family
August 1, 2013
He was the first teacher I had who expected us to read and understand our text book instead of just repeating it to us. This was a such a huge shift but served me well throughout the years. His legacy will live on in all those he touched.
Alison Bradley - MPHS Class of 1998
August 1, 2013
I can honestly say Mr. Lassen was one of those teachers whose lesson's stayed with you. He not only helped me make sense of geometry but was amazing encouraging even when you doubted yourself. He was a phenomenal teacher who will be missed. My condolences go out to his family.
Violet Lopez-Segal
MPHS Class of 1998
Cheryl Aidikonis
July 31, 2013
Mr. Lassen was my Geometry and Calculus teacher at Marcos de Niza in the early 80's. My respect for him was and is tremendous. His banter with Mr. McKeon made a rigorous curriculum enjoyable. I even joined the golf team my junior and senior years since Mr. Lassen was the coach. Because of his positive influence, I became a math teacher and am currently starting my 24th year in education. I think fondly of Mr. Lassen often and am so very thankful for the role he has played in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
July 31, 2013
Mr. Lassen was a fabulous teacher and had a tremendous positive impact on his students. He will be missed. My sympathies to Mrs. Lassen and family. I remember having Mrs. Lassen for Spanish at the same time as Mr. Lassen for calculus, and their affectionate teasing of one another. You two were such beloved teachers at Mountain Pointe in the early 2000s.
Annie (Ranes) Silverman
MPHS class of 2001
Matt Dempsey
July 31, 2013
Mr. Lassen will be greatly missed. I was blessed to have him as a math teacher. He was truly amazing at his job.
I'll never forget how kind and understanding he was as a person. Or how clear it was that he wanted every student to truly understand the material.
My deepest condolences to his friends, colleagues and family.
Kerry Fehr-Snyer
July 31, 2013
Mr. Lassen will be so missed at Mountain Pointe and Marcos de Niza, where he infused a love of math that remains with me today. My husband, the Tempe High English department chair, knew of his stellar reputation as a lifelong educator. Thanks, Mr. Lassen, for making a difference in my young life!
Phil Mize
July 31, 2013
Dear Bonnie, Dawn, Devon and Andy,
John always had that infectious smile and would make you feel special whether he agreed with you or not. He was a colleague that had a great influence on me and I thank him for sharing his family with me. You all are great. I am praying for you during this difficult time.
Marge Hiesel-Walker
July 31, 2013
From all the Arizona Hiesel women, who went to school with the Lassens, we were very sorry to hear of John's passing. We will hold him in our hearts and prayers and thank him for being a wonderful Tempean and Zonie !
Scott Clayton
July 31, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnnHprUGKF0
Big Bad John ~ Jimmy Dean 1961
Whenever I heard this old song through the years I thought of Johnny.
My deepest sympathy to the Lassen family.
Scott Clayton
July 30, 2013
John was a great educator who affected many students and colleagues. We were both fortunate to have known him personally and professionally. He will be missed. May he rest in peace, and may the Lord bless and comfort your family.
Charlie and Adela Santa Cruz
Gilbert, Arizona
Al Ambrosia, DO
July 30, 2013
To Bonnie and the entire Lassen family. My prayers for you in this difficult time. Know that Mr. Lassen contributed to the world in ways that you may never know. For me and the class of 1982 at MdN, he had a lasting impact on our careers, our families and the world around us. The world is just a little less inspiring today without him. I know we will continue to live his legacy and pass it on to our kids. May God bless you and keep you.
Al--MdN, class of 1982
Irene Fields
July 30, 2013
Bonnie & Family,
We are so very sad to learn of John's passing. Our thoughts are with you. He was a great father.
Ron, Irene & David Fields
Larry Binkley
July 30, 2013
Bonnie, Elinor and families.
I am truly saddened to learn of John's passing. My sincerest condolences to you all. God Bless.
Scott
July 30, 2013
Marcos de Niza has had some great teachers over the years. Mr. Lassen was an excellent teacher. It's true that his teaching went well beyond math. Mr. Lassen and Mr. Mckeown made a great team.
Karen (Baerst) Treon
July 30, 2013
Mr. Lassen was my Calculus teacher at Marcos in the early 80s. He was a remarkable influence in so many ways. He was a truly extraordinary teacher - the best of the best - and his goodness as a person was so evident. . I have always been so grateful that he was my teacher. I remember noticing, as a teenager, how much he loved teaching kids at completely different levels - "remedial" math students as well as advanced math students. That made such an impression on me. I am so sorry for your loss. He, like Mr. McKeown, left us too soon. I hope his family is comforted by his great impact and legacy.
July 29, 2013
To Bonnie and family,
Mr. Lassen was one of those educators that people speak of many years later as having a huge impact on their lives. I know many at Marcos de Niza were blessed to have him as a teacher and mentor. My thoughts with you and your entire family,
Laura Sisulak, Portland OR
Tracy Parker
July 29, 2013
My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God during this difficult time and know that he hears your prayers: Isaiah 59:1
July 29, 2013
Bonnie,
I share the pain of your loss, dear friend.
Seana Ryan
Kristen McCurdy
July 29, 2013
R.I.P. Mr. Lassen
Prayers to your family!
Kristen McCurdy
Gilbert, AZ
Paul & Leslye Moran
July 29, 2013
Bonnie, family and friends of John, our deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a fine man, warm and kind to new friends. His family and work are true reflections of his heart and character. Our best to you all.
July 29, 2013
Bonnie and family,
In reading the tributes to John, one realizes that the heart and soul of a man shines through no matter the circumstances. So it did with John. I only knew him in the context of his illness, but the man that showed through was indeed the man he was. I will always remember him. Watching you evolve, Bonnie, was a lesson in what love really is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Edie
Starr Stefani
July 29, 2013
My heart is breaking today for a my favorite teacher, golf coach, and mentor. He had such an incredible positive impact on my life! He will be deeply missed by so many! Mtn pointe pride golf team of 93 state runners up!! We love you!!
Barbara Doss
July 29, 2013
Dear Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris Lutes
July 29, 2013
RIP Mr. Lassen. You were a great teacher.
Haylee (Kronberg) Bridges
July 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this great man. He was patient and understanding. Always had a sense of humor about everything. He was an incredible teacher. He helped make MdN a great HS. Prayers for the family as they feel his loss.
Connie Kamm
July 29, 2013
Dear Bonnie and Family,
I am so sad to learn of John's passing. He was a wonderful man who inspired both colleagues and students at Mountain Pointe. I learned a great deal from John and will be forever grateful that he was my friend. John will be missed by many. Please know that my prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Robyn Scarpone
July 28, 2013
The world has lost a great man and educator. He made such an impact on so many lives. All of us MdN Padres thank him for his dedication.
DEBBIE MCorkle
July 28, 2013
RIP MR. LASSEN
Stephanie Buckley
July 28, 2013
Dear Bonnie, Dawn, Devon and Andy,
I have such fond memories growing up with Devon and spending time in your home. John was always so postive and energetic. You guys showed me the kind of family I wanted to have someday. I treasure every moment spent with you all and feel so lucky to have known such a wonderful man. He touched a lot of lives. You all are in my thoughts always.
Jennifer Sumrall
July 28, 2013
Bonnie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you from Rio Salado. John was a favorite in Course Support at Rio, providing both of you stamps and supplies and having John come in to pick them up and share all the stories of the Colorado house was a highlight for me. Since he retired we have missed him and will continue to have wonderful memories of "Big John". We still tell the story of John walking into our Christmas decorations hanging from the ceiling way high enough we thought, until a snowflake jabbed him in the eye.
Polly Merz
July 28, 2013
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. Rene' e-mailed me and told me. I pray you have the peace of God during this tough time.
Blessings,
Polly J. Merz
Retired Court Reporter
Jo-Carroll Glasson
July 28, 2013
John will always hold a very special place in my heart. He and his wife Bonnie are the most special people in the world to me. I will miss him terribly.
RHONDA RANDLE
July 28, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends .I light this candle in celebration of your life John .
Patricia Price
July 28, 2013
Remembering John and Bonnie from Tempe High--and later as a fellow math teacher--he certainly left his mark on many a student both at Marcos and Mountain Point--a huge loss for his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. Much too young to leave them.
Mark and Joyce Voyles
July 28, 2013
We remember John as one of the nicest guys at Tempe High. He always had a smile on his face and was kind to everyone he met. Everyone loved him. Our prayers and our thoughts are with the Lassen family.
Sharon Doyle
July 28, 2013
An incredible man who lived an incredible life and had such a positive impact on so many students, teachers and friends. His contributions to the TUHSD education system will last forever. Bonnie, may you and your family find peace and comfort in the goodness that was John.
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